Welcome to Introduction to Religion and Belief Systems!

Before learners study Judaism, Christianity, or Islam, they need a clear, neutral foundation for how religion works in human societies. Volume 1 builds the basic toolkit: what “religion” includes, how belief systems spread, how to separate sacred narrative from historical evidence, and how to discuss sensitive topics with respect and critical thinking.

These labs establish the shared language and inquiry skills for every volume that follows.

Mini Labs in This Volume:

• What Is Religion? (Belief, Practice, Community) — V1 L1

  Defining religion and how it functions in cultures.

• Sacred Stories vs. Historical Evidence — V1 L2

  How traditions are preserved and how historians verify claims.

• Rituals, Symbols, and Sacred Space — V1 L3

  Why humans use ceremony, symbols, and holy places.

• Ethics, Rules, and Social Order — V1 L4

  How religions shape behavior, law, and community life.

• How Religions Spread and Change — V1 L5

  Diffusion, conversion, syncretism, and reform over time.